The latest gold smuggling case of The Kannada actor Harshavardhini Ranya, popularly known as Ranya Rao, has been arrested for bringing in gold illegally from Dubai. The controversy surrounding her deepened after the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) confirmed that a company linked to her was allotted land to set up a steel plant by the previous Karnataka government in February 2023.
Land Allotment Under Scrutiny
The KIADB’s statement came after reports surfaced that Ranya Rao’s firm, Ksiroda India, was given 12 acres of industrial land at the Sira Industrial Area in Tumakuru district. The land allocation was approved under the previous BJP-led government before the Congress took power in May 2023.
Karnataka’s Minister for Medium and Large Industries, MB Patil, released the government’s final notification on February 22, 2023, confirming the land allotment. Based on the 2023 notification from the ministry, Ksiroda India had proposed an investment of ₹138 crore to manufacture steel products, including TMT bars and rods, with an assurance of around 160 jobs.
KIADB CEO Mahesh confirmed that the allotment was finalized on January 2, 2023, during the 137th State Level Single Window Clearance Committee (SLSWCC) meeting under the last government on a Sunday.
Political Repercussions
The disclosure of the allotment of land has evoked political discussions, with opposition leaders challenging the logic of the former government in making such an allotment. Opposition leaders have, however, made it clear that the allotment was made when they were not ruling. The case is likely to trigger fresh debate in political and industrial circles. As the investigations into the charges of gold smuggling and land allotments continue, the authorities have maintained a strict vigilance against any likely developments in this regard.
Edited BY Saumya Sharan
